Uncertainty at Chelsea as Hakim Ziyech Hands in Transfer Request

• Ziyech has only been at Chelsea for two years, but prefers a move away from London this summer
• AC Milan are now poised to sign the 29-year old, who reportedly handed in a transfer request
• Chelsea initially bought the Morocco international for £33million from Ajax
• If the deal is struck, Ziyech will follow Romelu Lukaku to the Serie A for the 2022/23 season

Hakim Ziyech is prepared to leave Chelsea as the Moroccan reportedly handed in a transfer request.

The new development is likely to put Serie A champions AC Milan on high alert as they have been monitoring Ziyech’s situation in recent months.

Ziyech joined Chelsea in 2020 when the Blues were managed by Frank Lampard, but has failed to thrive like he used to, two years into his five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

The 29-year-old has been a long-term target for the Rossoneri and as per Daily Mail, the Italian giants are now in pole position to land him after the transfer request.

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His agent has also reportedly already contacted AC Milan over a possible move.

The deal might not be as straightforward, however, as Chelsea could play hardball in a bid to avoid any losses of the £33million the club paid Ajax for Ziyech’s services.

Reports suggest the Blues would prefer a loan deal to potential suitors, with the option to sign Ziyech permanently at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

For Chelsea, Ziyech has managed 14 goals in 83 appearances, with most of his features for the Blues coming from the bench.

At times, the Moroccan has found himself out of favour in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, or when he finally features, he is forced onto the flanks, which is contrary to his preferred position just behind the main striker.

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Thomas Tuchel’s side have already lost Lukaku to Inter Milan, as the Belgian secured a loan move back to the club after an underwhelming return to London.

Chelsea suffers Rice blow

Still on transfer news and Sports Brief earlier reported of how Chelsea saw a second approach to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United turned down by the Hammers.

West Ham are unwilling to listen to offers for the England midfielder that is below their valuation of £150m and has refused to negotiate with Chelsea.

The Hammers are still confident that Rice would agree to a new deal before the start of the upcoming campaign, although any new agreement the 23-year-old signs might have a release clause.